6:1″Woe to you who live at ease”, 6:4″4 “Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory
and stretch themselves out on their couches,
and eat lambs from the flock
and calves from the midst of the stall,
5 who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp
and like David invent for themselves instruments of music,
6 who drink wine in bowls
and anoint themselves with the finest oils,
but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!
7 Therefore they shall now be the first of those who go into exile,”

When I read these verses I wondered if it might not just describe the church today? We are so driven by our comfort. We will come to worship as long as it is not too hot, not too cold, at a time that is convenient, has my kind of music, isn’t too long, people treat me right, don’t ask for money, pastor doesn’t get too personal about things I think are okay to do, isn’t too loud, the pastor wears a suit and tie, they thank me when I serve… the list could go on and on. We want God and church on our comfort levels. God was not about making Israel happy and conforming to their desires and He isn’t about making us happy. We need God. He doesn’t need us. He loves us, desires for us to follow him, longs to have a relationship, but He is not at our beck and command.
The cost for Israel was heavy, but through their captivity and even through the silence of God they were humbled and once again sought God. What will it take us church to get it? Oh Father, please forgive us and help us to choose humility and selflessness before it is too late.